The Town of Goshen will kick off the Christmas season one day later than planned this year after the Goshen Eagles advanced to the AHSAA 2A semifinals Friday with a wild 56-52 win over Saint Luke’s.

With the Eagles returning home Friday to play in their semifinal matchup against Leroy – the biggest game in program history – Goshen mayor Darren Jordan said moving the parade was the obvious choice.

“Not long ago had a pep rally for them in Goshen,” Jordan said. “I told them ‘You do know we have a Christmas parade coming up on December 1, right?’ They said they might be playing that long. I told them if they made it that far to not worry about the parade – we will make the accommodations.”

The game may be moving the parade, but it shouldn’t overshadow it, Jordan said. In fact, the game is expected to bring many people to Goshen and that could mean an increased attendance in the parade as well.

Jordan said both events will be heavily attended by the community. “We’re definitely proud of it and embracing it while we can,” Jordan said.

The parade will now start at 6 p.m. on Saturday, beginning at the high school with lineup at the fire department and dispersing at Academy Street.

Photos with Santa will follow immediately in the town hall building and Goshen alumnus Jay Hughes will be performing music while Sips on the Square serves donuts, chili, hot dogs and sausage dogs in the annex building.

“I think this is just an opportunity with changing of the seasons transitioning into the Christmas season and celebrating the whole reason for Christmas and family and creating that atmosphere,” Jordan said.

Jordan and the rest of the Goshen community are hoping the Eagles give them a little extra to celebrate at the parade.